Forward to Return Home to Focus on Rehabilitation Schedule

WNTOct 18, 2014

CHICAGO (Oct. 18, 2014) – U.S. Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan will be unavailable to participate in the remainder of the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship due to a left ankle sprain suffered last night against Guatemala in the USA’s second Group A match.

Morgan underwent an MRI this morning that confirmed the sprain, but revealed no additional damage. She will be out an estimated 4-6 weeks to rehabilitate the injury. Morgan will depart the U.S. camp and return home to continue her rehab.

“We certainly feel for Alex and of course having her go down is a big loss to our team. But as I’ve often said, one of our strengths is depth and everyone on the roster is prepared to step up,” said U.S. head coach Ellis. “After talking with our medical staff and Alex, we all agreed that the best course of action for her is to head home to minimize travel and get into an environment where she can totally focus on recovery.”

Morgan, who has scored 49 goals in 77 matches for the USA and five goals in seven games in 2014, had started the USA’s first two games of the Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.

“It’s unfortunate timing, but I know my teammates will take care of business and qualify for the World Cup and I’ll be watching from my couch,” said Morgan. “I have plenty of time to get healthy with a longer break coming up for the team, so my job is to focus on the rehab and get back healthy as soon as I can.”

Once the competition begins, teams cannot make roster changes due to injuries; therefore, the USA will play the remainder of the tournament with 19 players.